Sven Engling

Take Home Letter & Activity

Topic: Static Charge Inquiry
Inspired from Static Strokes Activity from AIMS Education Foundation
Standard: SC.912.P.10.13: Relate the configuration of static charges to the
electric field, electric force, electric potential, and electric potential energy.
Student Sheet:
Name:___________________
Date:_________ Period:____

Static Investigations
Prediction: Coulombs law has to do with static electricity. Using these
pictures can you predict what the law says about static electricity?

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Test:
1. Time to test your prediction, but first take out the balloon and paper
clips that were given with your homework assignment

2. Blow up the balloon until it is at least as a big as a volleyball (8 inches

in diameter).
3. In order to statically charge your balloon, rub it for ten seconds on your
hair, on a carpet, or on a shirt (it works best when rubbed on short
hair).
4. On your table first write your prediction of whether or not the balloons
static charge will pick up the object or not.
5. Then charge your balloon for that object, and hover the balloon close
to it for a few seconds to see if it picks it up.
6. Then write down your observation.
Observation/Evidence: Pick at least five different objects to test from the
list provided below. Be sure to write a prediction of whether or not the
balloons static charge can pick the balloon up, and your observation of what
really happens.
Objects
Paper clips given to you
with this assignment

Salt

Small pieces of
aluminum foil

Predictions

Observation

Small broken bits of

rubber bands

Bird Seed

Pencil shavings

Sand

Rice

Flour

Pepper

Small crushed up pieces

of Styrofoam

Pick your own item too

test and record it here:

Pick your own item too

test and record it here:

Reflection:
1. After having run the tests, explain in two or three sentences whether or
not your opinion on what Coulombs Law says about static electricity
has changed?
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2. Explain in one to two sentences what do you think determines whether
or not an object can be picked up by a static charge?
.

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Parent Letter
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Science, at its very best, is a collaborative effort, and it is why we commonly
work in groups when learning in class. Research shows that science-work
done in groups increases understanding of the topics being taught, and it is
why I sent home an activity to do for you and your student tonight. When a
student brings home a project or activity, like the Static Investigations
activity, it would be fantastic if they could collaborate with you. I understand
that life can be hectic and fast-paced, and it is why I make sure whatever
activity I sent home can be completed within thirty minutes. This activity is
meant to spark curiosity about static charges and Coulombs Law. Please do
not look anything up on google, and do not worry about writing down the
right answers, instead focus on writing down why you have certain
predictions, writing down any observations, and writing down any reflections
you have after your tests. The students will discuss their results tomorrow,

and then well learn about what a static charge is and how it relates to
Coulombs law. Students are more motivated to learn and complete their
homework if their parents or guardians are involved, and as a science
teacher it is my goal to give everyone the best opportunity I can give them
to learn science. Please use tonights activity as an opportunity to discover
science together with your student, and share the joy of learning or
discovering something new together.
Thank you!
All the best,
Mr. Engling
One thing is for certain: the more profoundly baffled
you have been in your life, the more open your mind
becomes to new ideas. -Neil DeGrasse Tyson